• Source:JND

Apple iOS 26.3 Beta 2: Apple appears closer than ever to bringing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to RCS on iPhones. New iOS 26.3 Beta 2 update includes backend references that suggest support for end-to-end encrypted RCS chats on iOS 26-supported devices.

The finding was brought to light by X user Tiino-X83 who discovered a new carrier bundle setting in the beta. This is where a mobile carrier would turn on and off E2EE for RCS messages, so it's obvious that Apple is building the system-wide framework to support encrypted RCS.

What the Beta Update Reveals

As it stands, the new encryption toggle only shows up for four French carriers: Bouygues, Orange, SFR and Free. No other areas have been reported at this time, so it is possible Apple is beginning to test the new feature in a limited capacity ahead of an eventual global rollout.

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Per the GSMA, Universal Profile 3.0 states that default encryption for RCS is to be provided unless rules in a given region don’t allow it to happen. They also need to be able to distinguish whether a conversation is encrypted. The fact that these carrier controls are present in the latest version of iOS (26.3 Beta 2) implies Apple's RCS is being built to adhere to these specifications, however.

Why Encrypted RCS Matters

What RCS messages will provide once E2EE is switched on:

- Maximum privacy for messages, documents, and media files

- Carrier or service provider lock-out

- A security level far closer to iMessage

This is a big moment for cross-platform messaging. RCS already supports features such as typing indicators, read receipts (indicating the message was delivered and read), emoji reactions to messages, as well as the ability to send high-quality images and videos. The end-to-end encryption erases one of the last big privacy differences between iMessage and Android chats.

Apple’s Slow Road to RCS Texting

Apple initially announced support for RCS encryption in March 2025 along with the GSMA. RCS is already live on supported carriers, but encryption has yet to make it to iOS 26. The new beta references remind us that Apple is at last shifting from promise to implementation.

Expected Rollout Timeline

iOS 26.3 will be released as a public update before the end of January, alongside iPadOS 26.3. However, E2EE for RCS may still come incrementally via carrier updates or a future point release based on network readiness.

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What This Says About iPhone Users

If Apple provides proper encrypted RCS support, iPhone-to-Android conversations could at last be more secure, modern and on par with iMessage — but without locking users into proprietary Apple messaging networks.

For the time being, iOS 26.3 Beta 2 says one thing loud and clear: Apple isn’t just discussing encrypted RCS anymore. It is actively building it.


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